

CAPE
Convective Available Potential
Energy (CAPE) is a measure of the instability of the atmosphere and defines the
vertically integrated positive buoyancy of a rising parcel. It is a good indicator
of general instability, and convection tends to be more vigorous with higher values.

CAPE < 300: |
Stable. |
CAPE 300 to 1000: |
Marginally unstable. |
CAPE 1000 to 2500: |
Moderately unstable. |
CAPE 2500 to 3000: |
Very unstable. |
CAPE 3000 to 5000:
|
Extremely unstable. |
CAPE > 5000:
|
Whoa Nelly! |
Other UKAWC Stability Indices:
Ag Weather Center, Department of Biosystems &
Agricultural Engineering, University of Kentucky